Cynthia Lawrence

But just when I thought I’d finally conquered the next hurdle of Corey starting pre-school, I was faced with yet a new one. Other mothers.

It's so easy to sit and pass judgment on why friends or family stay “trapped” in unhappy relationships. We often wonder why she hasn’t left him/her, why can't she see that she could do much better, why can't she value her self-worth, etc.

But while it may seem like the logical thing to do, for many, it’s not so simple in reality. Many complex factors come to play, and people “stick it out” for all kinds of reasons, often at a personal price.

Before we’ve even had time to digest the festive season (and the last of the mulled wine), the overwhelming abundance of red hearts, teddy bears, and all things contrived come out to taunt us. They’re everywhere. From the zillion greeting cards, custom chocolates, gift ideas, sex toys, you name it — all in the name of a dude called Cupid.

You suddenly spot someone from across the room, on a train to work, or a gas station, and your heart instantly skips a beat, palms get sweaty and you just know that person is ‘the one’, (without even muttering a word to them.) Rubbish! You simply fancy the pants off that person and know they are “the one” who you wouldn’t mind taking to bed in a hurry! Lust is the basis for instant physical attraction, not love

"1. The staff at all four branches of Starbucks around your office know you on a first name basis, and have your “usual” ready for you the minute you arrive."

I’ll admit, there is something thrilling about purchasing something new, even if it was an item I wasn’t sure I needed. But the reduced price of £10 from £40 justified the spend!

7. Don’t give yourself a Brazilian wax with a razor. It doesn't look sexy at all and more importantly, you could do some serious damage to your lady parts. Ouch! Seek professional help. Or skip it entirely.

Now, I’m no qualified medic, but surely this was no coincidence.

"When is there going to be baby number two?" It's a familiar question to those who opt to have an only child. But it's no one else's business whether or not I have another child.

"So what happens when the split is acrimonious and your friends end up dumping you, too? Suddenly you’re treated as an outcast, and when you bump into them in the street, they pretend they haven’t seen you, even when you’re standing in the next line in Costco!"